Delicious Orie, the Russian-born heavyweight who idolised then sparred with Anthony Joshua, will box for England in the Commonwealth Games.
The 6ft 6in super-heavyweight has been given the chance to become Golden Delicious by following in the footsteps of Joe Joyce and Frazer Clarke - winners of his division at the last two Games in Glasgow and Gold Coast.
Orie moved from Moscow to host city Birmingham as a seven-year old after his Nigerian father was the victim of a racial assault on public transport.
He only started boxing when he was 18, having been inspired by watching Joshua, and went on to graduate from Aston University with a 1st Class Honours Economics degree.
Now 23, he has sparred with AJ and won a bronze medal at this year’s European championships in Armenia.
He said: “Ever since I found out Birmingham was going to be the host city it was a dream of mine to be able to compete there so when I found out I was selected it was basically a dream come true.
“I haven’t boxed in the UK for over two years having boxed all over Europe, but I now have the opportunity to not only compete in England but in my hometown of Birmingham at a major competition like the Commonwealth Games – it’s something I don’t think I’ll ever really forget.”
Fellow European medallists Harris Akbar, Kiaran MacDonald, Lewis Richardson and Lewis Williams are also selected.
Team England topped the boxing medal table at the last Commonwealths with six golds, one silver and two bronze.
TEAM ENGLAND - Women: Demie-Jade Reszan, under 48kg category. Savannah Stubley, 50kg. Sameenah Toussaint, 57kg. Gemma Richardson, 60kg. Jodie Wilkinson, 70kg. Kerry Davis, 75kg. Men: Kiaran Macdonald, 51kg. Niall Farrell, 57kg. Joe Tyers, 63.5kg. Harris Akbar, 71kg. Lewis Richardson, 75kg. Aaron Bowen, 80kg. Lewis Williams, 92kg. Delicious Orie, over 92kg
